Wheat gluten (WG) is an attractive alternative to synthetic polymers, as the need for biodegradable materials grows. Plastics derived from WG are a potential substitute for petroleum-based materials because of its non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly properties. Unfortunately WG also has mechanical property limitations as the compression-molded samples are typically brittle and absorb water readily after being processed. Plasticizing agents such as water, glycerol, sorbitol are used to solve these problems, but they significantly reduce the strength and modulus of WG based materials. Blending with polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(hydroxyesterether), maleic anhydride-modified polycaprolactone, cassava starch, poly(butylene succinate) and poly(lactic acid) is an alternative approach to improve WG properties. Nonetheless, some of these polymers are expensive, while other improve mechanical strength at the expense of the loss of elongation.
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